Comedy troupe on big screen

ANEX-PARROT:Michael Palin and John Cleese in Monty Python's 'Dead Parrot' sketch, which appears on stage in the Python's reunion show-to be broadcast from Regent 3.

Most Wairarapa Monty Python fans wouldn't have made to it London to see the Pythons' recent live show at the O2 arena.

However, they can still catch some of the Pythons' funniest moments from The Holy Grail, Meaning of Life, and Monty Python's Flying Circus without leaving town.

Regent 3 cinemas in Masterton will be screening the live broadcast of the Pythons' long-awaited reunion show Monty Python Live (mostly) in three showings, starting today.

Cinemas around the world have received footage of the gig - the first showing of which sold out in 45 seconds flat.

"London got 10 Monty Python shows, and Masterton's getting three," said Regent 3 owner Brent Goodwin.

"And people will probably get a better seat than if they'd paid a fortune to see it live.

"Plus, the Regent is easier to get to than London."

Mr Goodwin said the cinema had already sold at least half the available tickets, and predicts many more people will flock to catch their favourite Pythons on screen.

"There's been quite a bit of interest," he said.

"A lot of people of my generation grew up with Monty Python, so I think people will definitely be keen."

The Monty Python show is one of a range of theatrical spectacles shown at Regent 3 since December.

The Regent has also broadcast operas from Metropolitan Opera New York and plays from the National Theatre in London.

"It's all part of the new digital age," said Mr Goodwin.

"We're hoping to show about eight operas a year from New York."

All surviving Monty Python members - John Cleese, Terry Gilliam, Eric Idle, Terry Jones and Michael Palin - appear in the reunion, alongside video footage of member Graham Chapman, who died in 1989.

The show features such numbers as Every Sperm is Sacred, The Penis Song and The Lumberjack Song, along with the famous "Spanish Inquisition" and "Dead Parrot" sketches.

Monty Python Live (mostly) will be showing at Regent 3 tonight at 7.40pm, Saturday August 10 at 3.30pm, and Tuesday August 12 at 5.15pm.